Learning a second language is important for many reasons, from being able to communicate with people who speak that language to the fact that it helps improve intelligence.
We have chosen Spanish as the second language to learn for this blog. To make learning Spanish more fun and engaging for kids, here are four tips for parents looking to teach their kids Spanish at home.
1. Play Bilingual Games with Your Kids
You don’t need to work very hard for these such games. You can simply make up your own bilingual game depending on your kid’s interests. For example, make Spanish and English flashcards. For this, simply print out the Spanish word on one side of the card and its English translation on the other. Then, have your child hold up a card whenever you say a word in Spanish and vice versa. This is an effective way to make kids associate words with their meanings.
2. Watch Movies or Cartoons Dubbed in Spanish
This is a great way for children to get exposed to the language. You can even stop and ask them questions about what they see on screen from time to time. In addition, they will be able to pick up basic words, phrases, and expressions by watching these dubbed movies repeatedly.
Another idea would be to show your child the movie in English, but with subtitles in Spanish or vice versa. This way, they can understand the plot of the film without having to read along every time you pause it for them.
3. Learn About Spanish Culture
Introducing your child to the vibrant culture of Spanish-speaking countries is another great way to get them excited about learning the language. Take them to Mexican, Argentinean, Chilean, Colombian, or Venezuelan restaurants. Or, if your budget doesn’t allow it, cook some Spanish food at home. Involve them in the planning and cooking process to make this an interactive learning experience.
If you’re planning a vacation, you can also introduce them to many other aspects of Latin American culture while you’re at it. For example, take a trip with your child to one of the Spanish-speaking countries to immerse them in the language and culture.
4. Read Books in Spanish
This is a great way for children to learn grammar and syntax without even realizing it. You can find Spanish books online easily. Start with easy readers geared toward kids their age, and then gradually move on to more challenging texts. Remember, the key to successfully learning a second language is making it fun and exciting for your child.
Spanish is the second-most spoken language in the world, and teaching your kids Spanish can only do them good. If you’re looking to buy kids’ multilingual books online, Cat Fish Waiter has got you covered. We have multilingual as well as English learning books for children. To order children’s storybooks online, get in touch with us today.